Black Americans in Rural Communities: Health Vulnerabilities and Geospatial Influences

Keywords: Black, African American, rural communities, interview, GIS, risk terrain modeling
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

There are many intersections within the Black American experience. From the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis to George Floyd’s videotaped murder, Black Americans in rural and urban communities continue to face historical and systematic traumas on a daily basis. When applying this lens to health disparity research, populations of color are most at risk yet remain underrepresented as stakeholders making decisions and offering solutions that are implemented to promote their own individual and community well-being. By examining experiences, nuances, and geospatial vulnerabilities within the communities the research will benefit, holistic and evidence-based approaches can be suggested and operationalized. The purpose of this mixed-method study will be to identify, from a Black American perspective, health and geospatial vulnerabilities that exist in rural communities (Kumanyika, et al., 2005). Purposeful sampling will be used to obtain open-ended responses for an in-depth, semi-structured interview. Data analysis will begin with documenting and summarizing the descriptive statistics and responses from the respondents. Cultural and physical environments will serve as the major categories. I will prepare a presentation that outlines not only the qualitative and quantitative findings, but the challenges, successes, and unanticipated findings. The research lens is driven by priorities that acknowledge the real-world, trauma, and generational experiences of Black Americans, specifically those living in rural America. Research recommendations will serve as specific courses of action for stakeholders and communities. Additionally, the research contributes to the necessity for qualitative geography and the importance of context when defining and suggesting solutions for chronic disease prevention.